A BARROVIAN has proved to be a cut above the rest after being named a finalist in a British hair competition.

Ryan Galbraith, who works at The Glow Rooms in Ulverston as a hairdresser, bagged a finalist position at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards in the Best for Blonde category - representing the Lake District.

When the 27-year-old received the news he said he 'could not believe' he had been shortlisted.

"It is such a big prestigious award," said Ryan.

"The previous winners have gone on to do celebrities' hair of people from Love Island. People get so much recognition for it."

Ryan spent several months not working in the hair industry but soon realised that doing hair is what he 'loves' doing.

He said: "That time out of hairdressing made me realise how much I love it. Since coming back I found that passion for the industry again. Receiving the finalist title for something that I enjoy doing the most just means everything."

His passion for hairdressing started at a young age when he used to play around with his sister's hair.

Ryan started working in saloons at the age of 15.

He said: "As a hairdresser, you make such a difference to people. They could be having a rubbish day and they might just want to come in for some company or a chat or they might be feeling a bit down and doing their hair really lifts them up and makes them feel better - it is so rewarding."

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards community come together each year to celebrate the industry. The annual red carpet event is an experience with celebrity guests, hosts and entertainment, attended by invitation only.

The awards' mission is to support businesses of all sizes, and expose all candidates to new opportunities via social media and in the hair and beauty world, no matter their financial or social status.

It will take place in Birmingham on June 1.